Michael Hooper needs more support from his teammates. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Rugby Union

Wallabies respond to snub accusation

25th Aug 2018 5:01 PM

WALLABIES coach Michael Cheika and captain Michael Hooper have responded to suggestions the Aussies disrespected All Black Sam Whitelock during his 100th international Test last week.

Whitelock was honoured in a post-game presentation, which the Wallabies were reportedly unaware had been planned. However, multiple Australian stars stayed on the field after full-time to congratulate Whitelock.

But New Zealand coach Steve Hansen lit the fuse for a fiery clash in Auckland when asked about the perceived snub.

"I know if it was us, we'd stay out and acknowledge it," Hansen said. "There's a lot of energy, mental fortitude, time, a lot of sacrifices by the player's family, his kids, his wife, his partner, to get to that point.

"So it's worthy of respecting."

Michael Hooper has defended his troops.

Cheika bit back at Hansen's claim, saying: "Well I've never seen it before. We certainly wouldn't be asking to do it on another team's ground, we'd do it in the dressing room.

"To say that we lack respect is a little bit of a stretch from Steve Hansen."

With Owen Franks to play his 100th Test for New Zealand on Saturday night, Hooper spoke about that milestone while denying his side had disrespected Whitelock.

"I know individually a lot of players paid their respects. But that was last week. Owen Franks is tomorrow night. It's Whitelock's 101st tomorrow," Hooper said.

"I don't know how they're doing that (honouring Franks), but we're going into the changing room after the match and I'm sure everyone will pay their respects to an amazing career that he's had so far.

"I'm sure he's got more in the tank. Every 100th cap is a great opportunity and we'll have an opportunity to do that."